Ledger Live Desktop is the official desktop application designed to manage cryptocurrency portfolios in combination with Ledger hardware wallets. The app synchronizes account balances and transaction history while ensuring private keys remain offline on the Ledger device. Ledger Live Desktop consolidates portfolio tracking, send/receive flows, staking, swaps and third-party integrations in one secure interface.
Ledger Live Desktop runs on Windows, macOS and Linux. Download the official installer only from ledger.com/ledger-live and verify the file signature when provided. Follow platform prompts to grant USB access so the desktop app can communicate with your Ledger device for transaction signing.
Security for Ledger Live Desktop rests on three principles: keep your recovery phrase private, verify downloads and signatures, and validate transaction details on your device screen. Ledger devices never expose private keys to the host computer; every transaction requires a manual confirmation on the hardware wallet. Never enter your seed phrase into any app or website — legitimate flows never request it.
To start with Ledger Live Desktop: download from the official Ledger site, install the app, open it and follow the on-screen “Get started” flow. If you already own a Ledger hardware wallet, connect it via USB (or Bluetooth where supported), unlock it, and add the accounts you want to manage. The app will guide you through installing coin apps on the device when necessary.
Ledger publishes regular releases and release notes for Ledger Live Desktop and device OS updates. Keep both the app and your device OS up to date to receive security fixes, new asset support and UX improvements. You can consult the official changelog and GitHub releases for technical details when needed.
Common issues include connectivity, missing USB permissions, and mismatched app versions. Confirm you downloaded the official installer, verify the application signature if provided, restart your computer, and try a different USB cable or port. For unresolved problems, Ledger’s support articles and official knowledge base provide step-by-step diagnostics.
Can I use Ledger Live Desktop without a Ledger device? Basic viewing and limited features may be available, but full security and transaction signing require a Ledger hardware device.
How do I verify the installer? Ledger provides checksum signatures and instructions for verifying installer integrity; compare the provided hash to the downloaded file before running it.